Praying for Postage

When a deployed Soldier receives an unexpected care package from a person or organization, it will usually bring joy and thoughts of happier times from home.  Not to mention, it will usually satisfy a sweet tooth or need for other comfort food items. 

  

A group of generous members of Farmington Lutheran Church decided to gather together to bless the Soldiers of Task Force 34 who are stationed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

“The idea of care packages started by just a swapping of e-mails between our new pastor, Dr. Jeff Dorman and myself,” said MAJ Kent Porter, Fire Support Officer, 34th Combat Aviation Brigade.  “After the departure date of our brigade, Farmington Lutheran Church asked me what the church can do to help the Soldiers in my area,” said MAJ Porter.

The members of the church were ready and willing to support the Soldiers who were deployed in Iraq and serving their country over the holidays. 

“I believe the people of the church donated for two reasons; one because they feel a sense of honor or may I even say, duty, to support the troops,” said MAJ Porter, “Many are unable to serve or served before and know that receiving goodies from home is a huge morale boost.  Secondly, many know me and know the "goodies" are going to someone who is familiar to them and our church community as a whole.”

PAYING POSTAGE

The generosity from the church members came pouring in; however, the items still needed to be sent to the troops. 

“When I first started this, I made an assumption that they would gather only five or six boxes of stuff,” said MAJ Porter.  “So I told the pastor of the church that I would pick up the postage.  I said this because the time frame we put to donate and deliver was very short ... So I was thinking maybe $60-$70 ... well, the generosity of the hearts of the people of the church and surrounding community far exceeded the expectations of MAJ Porter and his wallet. 

“When I was home on leave, I saw 43 boxes of donated material and I learned later that it would be 475 dollars to deliver them,” said MAJ Porter.  “I could not go back on my word so, I kind of changed my tact and had the church send a note to the Farmington American Legion and VFW, to see if they could assist with some of the postage and I would pay the difference.”

The extra funds did arrive and the Soldiers of Task Force 34 received all of the boxes around the holidays.  MAJ Porter was still excited at the generous outpouring from his church and community back in Minnesota.

“By all means I would do this again … only next time, I won't underestimate the generosity of good people,” said Maj. Porter.

Sgt. Lynette Hoke
27 Dec., 2008